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Oct. 23, 1928.

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Patented Oct. 23, 1928.

WILLIE R. CORBETT, OF PADUCAH, KENTUCKY.

AUTOMATICALLY-OPERATED ORCHESTRAL.DEVICE.

Application filed October 1928. Serial No. 665,991.

This invention relates to improvements in used in connection with thekeys of the piano.

apparatus for producing music.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of musicalapparatus which embodies a plurality of automatically controlled musicalinstruments, which may be arranged in a desired orchestral relation.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an orchestralapparatus which embodies a plurality of musical instruments of anyapproved selection whose playing may be controlled by means of theplaying apparatus of an automatic piano or the like.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an orchestralapparatus of the above described character which is preferably operatedby electrical power, and embodying a novel means by which theinstruments may render soundsof desired amplitude independent of thenumber or character of instruments playing, at any one time;

A further object of this invention is the provision of an orchestralapparatus of the above mentioned character which embodies an] approvedselection of instruments with electrically controlled operatingapparatus associated therewith, and a key board for controlling theorchestral apparatus.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear during thecourse of the. following detailed description.

' In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters designatecorresponding parts throughout, the several views.

I Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred arrangementof instruments for the automatic orchestral device, showing theiroperating means and control therefor.

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross sectional view taken through an automaticpiano, showing improved means associated therewith by which theorchestral device may be controlled from the action of the piano.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken through a key of thepiano illustrated in Figure 2, showing the manner in which the same isequipped with control switches for the various instruments and operatingmeans of the orchestral device.

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the key illustrated in Figure 3.

Figs. 5 and 6 are transverse cross sectional views taken on theirrespective lines in F igure 3 of the drawings.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a novel typeof contact uiein'li er whichis resiliently Fig. 8 is a resilient arm which is cooperatively used inconnection with the contact illustrated in Figure 7.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a device which may be used for eitherconnecting the operating mechanism of an automatic piano to a motor sothat the music roller may be operated thereby, or by means of which theoperating means may be disconnected with respect to a motor so that thesheet operating means may be manually operated.

Fig. 10 IS an enlarged cross sectional view taken through an adjustingportion of th mechanism illustrated in Figure 9. 4

Fig. 11 is a plan view-of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a plan viewof a violin with novel operatingmeansjassociated' therewith.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of'the vioIin and operating meansillustratedin Figure 12.

Fig. 14.- is an enlarged fragmentaryview, partly in cross section;showinga fingering device which may housed in connection with the operating mechanism-for. the violin. Y

Fig. 15 is a pl'ainvi'w of, a-supporting frame work which may lie'usedfor th fingering mechani'sin o'f the violin. if.

Fig. 16 isa'side elevationof'theframe work illustrated'in Figure 151 5"5" Fig. 17 "is detail "of the frame-W rk illustrated inFigures-lfi and16. I

Fig. 18 is a side elevation, partly in'cross section. of a reed horninstrumentshowing the electromagnetic operating means which may be usedin connection therewith.

Fig. 19 isxa fragmentary cross sectional view of certain valve 'c'ontrol'means for regulating the flow'of air 'to the horn instrument of'Fi'g.18. Fig. 20 is a'side elevationof the valve apparatus illustratedin'Figure19.

Fig. 21' is a side elevation showing a partof the supporting means forthe instrument ofFig.1.

Fig. 22 is a front elevation ofa novel type of fingeringdevice which maybe used in connection with mandolins and guitars.

F ig. 23 is a fragmentary plan view of a mandolin or guitar, showing thenovel fingering devices as used in connection therewith. p

Fig. 24 is a cross. sectional view taken substantially 'on the line24%24 of Figure 22.

Fig. -25 shows an arrangement of? parts which may be used in connectionwith a pipe organ or the like and the electrical operating meanstherefor.

Fig. 26 is avertical cross sectional view taken through one of the pipesillustrated in Figure 25.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a novel type of electrically operatedvalve for pneumatic control of a pipe organ pipe.

Fig. 28 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially on theline 28-28 of Figure 25.

Fig. 29 is a side elevation, partly in cross section, of an arrangementof pneumatic horns and the electrical operating means therefor.

Fig. 30 is a cross sectional view taken through one of the hornsillustrated in F igure 29.

Fig. 31 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 31-31of Figure 30.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a-brac-kct which may be used forsupporting the valve of one of the horns illustrated in Figure 29.

Fig. 33 is a plan iew of a Xylophone and the operating means therefor.

Fig. 34 is an end elevation of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 33.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a bracket which may be used inconnection witlrthe electrical operating means for the Xylophone. Fig.36 is'a side elevation of a drum and the operating means therefor.

Figs. 37 and 38 are views illustrating the mounting :of hammers whichmay be used in connection with the'c ymbals and drums. Fig. .39 is afrontelevation of the apparatiis illustrated inFigure 36.

Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken through the armature portion ofan electromagnet, used in connection with the operatingwmeans for thehammers of the drum and cymbals.

In the draw-ings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown thepreferred embodiment of the orchestral apparatus and the parts thereof,the letter A may generally designate the orchestral apparatus which mayinclude an automatically operated piano B; violin device D; horn E; pipeorgan G;.pneumatic-horn device H; electrical horn device K; Xylophone L;trap drum device M; and any other approved instrument such as a mandolinN.

Referring to the automatic .piano B, the same may be of any approvedconstruction, including a housing 10, within which the piano action 11is carried in any approved arrangement, The piano action 11, of course.includes the hammers 12, and the rods 13 which connects the wippens ofthe piano action to the rear ends of the operatingkeys 14. The piano ispreferably pneumatically operated, and is preferably provided withbellows 15, 16 and l'iwvhich are operatively connected to a crank shaftor analogous device 18. The bellows 15 and 16 which are exhaust bellowssupply air to a tank 19 which is connected by means of a conduit 20 withthe bellows device 21. The device 21,'as is 'wellknown, includes a crankshaft 22 connected by means of a chain 23 lo the winding'sha'ft 24 whichis adapted to receive the music roller 25 for drive of the latter. Atracker bar 26 is preferably .provided, of conventional construction,over which the sheet of music 27 travels, as the same is wound by theshaft 24 upon the roller 25; the sheet 27 preferably being supported byan idling roller 28, as' is well known, so that the perforations of thesame may travel over the perforations of the tracker bar 26.

The bellows 17 may be utilized for supplying compressed air to a tank 30from which conduits 32 extend upon opposite sides thereof, adapted toreceiveair therethrough to operate the various horn and reed instrumcntsof the orchestral device, and as will be subsequently described.

In connection with the operation of the bellows 15, 16 and 17, a motormay be provided for operating the-crankshaft '18, or it may be manuallyoperated in 'the well known manner. Referring to the mechanism whichwill ,permit of "motor or riianu'al operation of 'the automatic .pia'nobellows, it is preferred to :provide a cantilever supporting shaft 47,see Fig. 11, connected at one end, as at 48, to any approved'su ortinwdll, and -at its free end rot'atabjly-receiving a pulley '49andafgearwheelg thereon; the pulley 49 and j gear 'whel 50 beingconnected for rotation wgether. A f arrwheeltr is also carried by theshaft52-of the motor 15, and thetendency of'the supporting rod 47 is tonormally urgetlie gears. 50 and '51 into intermes'hing relation, 'Thepulley 49 y of the shaft 47 is preferably connected in driving relationto a p'ulley or wheel 53 of the crank shaft 18,-as by means'of a belt 54trained over the pulleys 49 and '53. At a distance from thesupportingrod 47, an internally screw threaded s'lee've'55 is preferablysupported'upon a horizontal axis'by means of a standard 56, beingadjustable. in the standard 56, sothat av set screw 57 may 'retain it ina desired'ad'justment. An externally screw threaded cylindrical s'ha edmember '58 is adjustalily positioned wit in the/tap of the Sleeve'55,-'having'a connecting'rod 59 hearing in "one end thereof, and which rod59 at its other end connects with a ring 60 loosely fitted at the freeend of the rod 47. A linger adjusting wheel 61 is rigid with the screwthreaded member 58, so that said member 58 may b'e'rotated thereby. Asthe threaded 'mcmber 58 is 'fed along the Sleeve incidental to rotationthereof within said sleeve, the gear wheel 50 may be moved into orout'ofmeshing relation with the gear wheel 51, as can readily beunderstood.

In connection with the operation of various musical instruments used inconnection with the orchestral device, a circuit B may be used, whichhas positioned therein a generator or other source of electrical energy65; a rheostat 66; and a main control switch (37. Bus bars (58 and 69,of any approved formation, may be provided, which are respectivelyconnected in the positive and negative wires 70 and 71 of the circuit R,and affords a practical and convenient means of attaching the variouslead wires of the orchestral device in the circuit R and to the keys ofthe piano B.

As above mentioned, it is preferred to op erate the various musicalinstruments of the orchestral device A by .means of the keys of thepiano B. The rods 18 connecting the piano actions with the keys 14 areof course connected with said keys 14, so that automatic operation ofthe piano action will also depress the various keys 14 as the notesrepresented by them are played or sounded. Referring to the manner ofconnecting the keys 14 to effect the playing of the various instruments,each key 14 is preferably connected in circuit with the bus bar 68, andof course thus in connection with the positive wire 70 of the circuit Rby means of a lead wire 7 3 which may be detachably connected to abinding or terminal screw 74, which is a part of the key structure, asis illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings. The key 14 is of novelconstruction, including the main body portion 76, which has a centralpocket 77 beneath the same into which the conducting strip 78 may fitand be secured therein as by means of a block 79 which fits within thepocket 77, and substantially as is illustrated in Figure 3 of thedrawings. The terminal or binding post 74 is disposed between the endsof the conducting strip 78, preferably adjacent the bar or member 80upon which the keys 14 rock. At its rearmost end, the conducting strip78 is in conducting relation with a terminal 82 which furnishes onecontact of a switch 83. The other contact 84 of the switch 83 preferablyis in direct current conducting relation with the bus bar 69; aresistance unit 85 preferably being disposed in the line 86 which leadsfrom the contact 84 to the bus bar 69. The resistance unit 85 may be ofany of the improved units now on the market, and may be variable as toresistance to effect a purpose which will be subsequently set forth.

At the opposite end of the conducting strip 7 8 from the terminal 82,and, of course, upon the opposite side of the rocker axis, the key 14 ispreferably provided with a binding post or terminal 90 which has one endof a resilient contact arm 91 connected thereto. The contact arm 91arcuates down wardly from the bottom of the key 14, and is provided withan elongated slot 93 therein through which the shank of a screw 94extends; the screw 94 being rigid in the key 14, and extending below thebottom thereof. This screw 94 has a head 95 thereon which engages thelower surface of the contact arm 91 to limit the amplitude of movementof the same away from the key 14. At its free end the contact arm 91arcuates and has the convex side therof disposed in cooperating facingrelation with a contact 97; the contacts 91 and 97 forming a switchstructure 98 which directly controls the musical instrument orinstruments adapted to be operated by the key 14. The contact 97 has aconducting wire 100 which leads therefromto the instrument or operatingpart thereof to which the current is to be conveyed. In connection withthe switch 98, a spring arm 99 is preferably carried by the key 14,depending so that the free springim end thereof is in overlappingrelation with the free end of the contact arm 91. Thus, when the key 14is depressed the contact arm 91 will be sprung, as will also the arm 99;the latter tending to hold the arm 91 into engagement with the contact97 for a predetermined interval of time.

This interval of time during which theswitch 98 is closed is greaterthan the interval of time during which the hammer op erated by the key14 is in engagement with its string upon the piano. This maintenance ofthe switch 98 in a closed relation for a definite time is provided inorder to insure that the operating means of reed instruments, such ashorns will continue for the full-length of time, so that suchinstruments will give off notes the sound of which continue as long asthe sound which is given off by vibrating cords of the piano.

Referring to the provision of the resistance unit 85, it is to be notedthat during inactive position of the key 14, that the 2 switch 83 isclosed, thus placing the resistance unit 85 in closed relation withinthe circuit R. As soon as the key 14 is depressed, the switch 83 willopen, while the switch 98 will be closed to operate a musicalinstrument. The voltage in the circuit R will thus be substantiallyconstant independent of the position of the key, so that no eccentricloads will be placed on the operating motor. erably variable. If thiswere not so, the strength of the current flowing in the circuit would bematerially reduced when a greater number of musical instruments werebeing played at one time than at another, so that the magnitude of soundwould vary considerably. \Vith the provision of the resistance units 85,as above described, it is obvious that the same will keep the currentflowing substantially constant in the circuit Each resistance unit 85 ispreffor each key at the same voltage and amperage during active orinactive positioning of the key.

With respect to the application of the violin D in automatic playingrelation as a part of the orchestral device A, sounder-s 101 arepositioned at the free ends of rotatable shafts 102 in cooperatingrelation with the strings 103 of the violin. The shafts 102 arerotatably supported by a bracket -struc ture 104 carried as a part ofthe violin 'frame, and electromagnets 105 are provided for each of thesounder rods or shafts 102 adapted to oscillate the same upon energiza-7 'tion of the electromagnet to move the sounderelement 101 thereof intoengagement with a violin string 103. The shafts 102 are preferablyrotated continuously by means of a belt-107 which is trained oversuitable'pulleys on the shafts 102 and connectedto'a Qpu'lley 108 uponthe motor 45. This sounder arrangement is preferably identical with thearrangement illustrated and described in Patent No. 807,871,-grantedDecembei"19,'1905. The electromagnets 105 are, of-course, in thecircuitR, being connected'so that the same will only 0 erate when'the switches98 o'f'suitable piano keys 14 are closed. It is preferred to provide anauxiliary'sw'iteh 1'10 inthe local circuit for the electromagnets 105,so that control of the same 'may be effected without distruptingthe'control of any of the other portions 'of the circuit R.

'A novel fingering apparatus 112' is pro vided in c'onnection'with theviolin D. This fingering device preferably includes insulating supports1 13 which are mounted at op- "positesi'des of the frame ofthevio'lin,and which are} provided with numerous "recesses 1 14 in'wardly of thetop ther'eof {to receive electromagnets 115 instaggered relation'there'alon'g. Arm'atures' 117 are provided {for each of theele'troma'gnets 115. These arma'tures 'are'bell crank shaped information, each "ineluding'an armature portion 118, and a lever portion'1 19 at its free end being recessed in "Vshaped manner for engagementwith astring 103 of the violin. -G)n*opposite"sides of the fingerbo'ard120 of the violin, suitable straight rods 121 are positioned, carriedupwardly of the "sup ports 1 13, as by substantially J-shaped brackets122, which may be-attached to the supports 113, as is illustrated inFigure 17 of the drawings. Suitable L-shaped stems 123 are carried bythe supports 113, about the 'arcuate portion of the violin frameadjacent the neck thereof, the horizontal ou'tturned ends atthe top ofwhich oscillatively support the bell-crank armatures 117, sub stantiallyas is illustrated in the drawings. At-opposite sides of the main bodyof'th'e violin, straight shafts 125'may be employed,

:supported by brackets 126 analogous to the 'to act as armaturestherefor.

brackets 122 above described. This is a practical provision of fingeringmeans -for the violin strings, as the armatures 115 need but littleelectromotive force therein to attract portions 118 of the armatures117, so that the bell crank armatures may be thrown through a properdistance to engage their respective violin strings, and at theappropriate points thereon. It'is-to be noted that the outer ends of thelever portions 119 of certain of the bell crank shaped armatures are:laterally turned to properly engage the intermediate strings of theviolin. The electromagnets 115 are, of course, in the circuit R and areoperated by means of the keys 14.

Referring-to the hornor reed instrument the same may be of the typeillustrated in Figure 18 of the drawings, which includes eight slidingpistons, although more than eight sliding pistons may be used with thecomet, as will'be shown in aseparate application attachment for "pianosand horns; and I desire to have theserial number given in thisapplication, when'said application is placed on file. It is preferred toplace a stopper member 130in 'flarin g'exit 131 of the same, so that thewind'will pass through the tubes. The mouthend 4133 preferab1y has aconduit 134' c0nnected :thereto, which is 'in communication with theconduit 32 above mentioned so that thesaime may receive compressed airfor operation of the various reeds-135 which are positioned inithetiibes 1'32. Avalve'box137 maybe detachably connec'te'd,as byclamping nuts 138 inthe con'duitsl34 which is provided with a slide'valve 139 therein, h'aving a valve; head l4O Whie1i is normally urgedby 'means of-a spring 141 into the way 143 through the valve'box 137 toclose said Waysothat'wind 'or compressed-air-may not enter'the mouth ofthe instrument E. 'The valve 139 is-electro-magnetically operated,having an armature head 144 thereonv in operating relation with theelectromagnet 145, so tha't-upon-the -energization of the. 'lectromagnet145 the =arm'ature will be attracted thereby to open the valve '140 topermit the passage-of air=into the instrument E. The electromagnet 145is in'the circuit Ryand is'in circuit with-one of the switches 98 of anappropriate key '14, substantially as is illustrated in Figure 1 of thedrawings.

-A support may be provided, having therebelow standards 151 and 152'aliixed thereto, which are appropriately connected to a bar o'f-theinstrument E, substantially as is illustrated in Figure/18 and 21- ofthe drawings. Below-the support150 electromagnets 154 are positioned, injuxtaposition to the keys or pistons 155 which are slidably disposed inthe tubes 132, and the outer ends of which are exposed to theelectromagnets 154, The sliding I'll pistons 155 are normally ofsufficient weight to prevent air pressure from lifting them to exposethe lateral openings 157 which are provided in each of the tubes 132.However, upon energization of the electromagnets 154 respective pistons155 cooperating therewith will be lifted so that wind or air may passthe reeds in the tubes 132, and pass out of the tubes 132 through theexposed openings or ports 157. This will, of course, vibrate the reeds135 toproduce the appropriate notes. The electromagnets 154 are disposedin the circuit R and are operated by means of appropriate keys 14 uponthe piano B. An auxiliary switch 158 is preferably positioned in thelocal circuit which leads to the electromagnets and 154, so thatoperation of the instrument E may be cut off with respect to the rest ofthe musical instruments of the orchestral device A.

The pipe organ structure G may be somewhat of conventional design,fundamental sound production is concerned, and includes a compressed airchest which receives air from the conduit 32 which communicates in oneend thereof. The various pipes 176, which are of course of varioussizes, are supported at their lower externally screw threaded tubeportions 177 in the top wall 178 of the chest 175 and receive air fromthe chest. The pipes 176 may be of approved it is preferred to providevalve devices 180,

which at their upper ends provide the valve disc 181, and are pivotallymounted, as at 182, adjacent their valve discs 181. Each valve 'disc 181operates over the inlet end 183 of a pipe 176, substantially as isillusstrated in Figure 25 of the drawings. The lower laterally offsetdisc portion 184 forms an armature for cooperation with an electromagnet185 which is mounted within' the compartment 179 of the chest 175. Theelectromagnets 185 are each in circuit with a key of the piano B, andare controlled by means of the switch structures 98 of the keys, so thatupon energization of the electromagnets the armatures 184 will beattracted thereby to open thevalve discs 181 to permit escape of "airfrom the chest 175 into the various pipes 176 which are opened byenergization of said electromagnets. If desired, switches 187 may beprovided for local circuits of the eletromagnets 185, substantially asis illus trated in Figure 1 of the drawings, so that the pipe organstructure G may be cut off from operation with the orchestral device.

It may be desirable to use a pneumatic horn structure in connection withthe orchestral device. This pneumatic horn structure, is illustrated inFigures 29 to 32 inclusive of the drawings, and includes a chest- 190the compartment 191 of which is in communication with the air supplyconduit 32 by means of a branch 192. The trumpets or horns 193 arepreferably of the reed type, having reeds 194 therein substantially asis illustrated in Figure 30 of the drawings; the lower tubular ends 195of the trumpets 193 being supported in the chest 190 for communicationwith the compartment 191 thereof. Valve devices 195, of analogousformation with the valve structures 180 described for the pipe organ Gare preferably pivotally connected as at 196 to brackets 196 within thechest 190 for each of the horns or trumpets 193; and adapted to beattracted by means of electro-magnets 197 which are mounted within thechest 190. Electromagnets 197 are, of course, operable by means of keys14 of the piano structure, and in each local line from the armatures 197it is preferred to place switches 198 for selective control of thetrumpets of the pneumatic horn structure H.

The Xylophone structure -L includes the sound bars 200 of differentlengths; appro-- priately mounted by any approved construction.Substantially L-shaped hammers 201 are pivotally mounted upon a bar 202which is longitudinally supported along the flush ends of the sound bar200, asby the L-shaped brackets 203. Each of the hammers. 201 ina ball206 on the end thereof and the armature lever 207. A spring 208 isprovided-for cooperation with each armature lever 207, to normally urgethe same toward the sound-bar 200, so that the hammer. 206 is normallylifted off the sound bar'200, as is illustrated in dotted lines inFigure 34 of the drawings. The electromagnet 209,- which is provided foreach of the armature levers 207 is pref erably connected, as isillustrated in diagrammatic view in Figure 1 of the drawings, foroperation by a switch structure 98 upon a key of the piano; the variouselectromagnets 209 of the Xylophone being operated by various keys 14 ofthe piano. Local switches 210 may control these electromagnets of theXylophone operating structure.

The drum structure M may include the l drum 215 and the operating means216 therefor. The means 216 preferably includes a shaft 217 mounted upona horizontal axis as by standards 218. A dmm stick 219 preferably with aball head 220 may be carried in any suitable manner by the shaft 217 sothat the same may oscillate therewith. A lever arm 221 with an armaturedisc 222 at the free end thereof is also connected to the shaft 217, incooperating relation with an electromagnet 224, which is suitablesupported by a standard 225 adjacent the driun 215. The electro-magnet224 is preferably controlled by a circuit 226 which may be shunted in onthe circuit R, and controlled by' air independent switch 228,substantially as is illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. Althoughthe switch 228 is the only one which is shown as being used forenergizing -the electromagnet 224, yet a key 14 of the piano structuremay be used for this purpose, if desired. A- cymbal disc 230 may besupported by the drum structure M, as is illustrated in Figure 39 of thedrawings, having a suitable hammer 231 supported by the shaft 21%instriking relation therewith; It is obvious that uponenergization ofthe electromagnet 224, that the armature 2221will-be attracted thereby.This w-illrock the sh'aft2lfiso. that the-hammers 219 and 231 will;respectively hit the drum 215 and cymbaLdisc 230 to: sound the same. Asis illustrated in Figure 37 of the drawings the cymbaliliammeu 231 maybe connected by screw. element- 233 tothe shaft 21 throughan elongatedslot 234, and by reason ofi. which elongated. slot the position of thehammer 231 may be adjusted for acertain degree of: movement-about theshaft 217. Likewise, the drum: hammer 219 is provided with. an.elongated slut; 236 therein through which: the securing: element- 237extends sothatthe; hammer-219 may be adjusted for a certain degree-of?movement about the shaft 21%- The-arm 221; which=supports the armature-2221of the: end thereof is preferably insulated as by sleeve 238 fromthe shaft 217i, and aminsulated screw 239 isused for connecting the.armatureofthe supporting armi221: througlnanelongated: slot 240,- andreasorn ofl which-the arm 221;- may, have a=- certain-.degree-oimovementabout; the axisof the. shaft 217-: for; the. proper: adjustmentillustrated'in Figure 1 various types Offlinstruments maybeoperabl'ydisposal inthe'ci'rcuit R: For instance, the

electrio;liorni structure K which includes-a series of'electric horns-243 may be provided, each of which includes'a suitable operatinmechanism,.e1ectricallyoperated, as would be understoodiby those-skilledthe art to which thisinventionirelates. A local switch 244 may beprovided to= selectively-cut off the electric. horn: structure K, ifdesired.

Iniconnection with the playing 'of 'stringed instruments-such asmandolins, guitars, and ukeleles a novel sounder device 245 may beprovided, which is.illustrated inFigure 22 andi24,.and in Figure 23asused in connection'with a mandolin or guitar structure I. This sounder245 may include-a hub structure 246 provided upon its periphery withseries: of. grooves 247 adapted toreceive a series-:of resilientarms248. The arms 248 areconcave-convexv in formation, preferably beingformed of spring metal and-arc each preferably of the same length. Thehub 246 is detachably secured to a screw threaded end. 249- of: a. shaft250;. shaft 250 being rotatably. mounted uponany approved portion of themusical instrument. N. This sounder 245, as to mounting may be similarto the mounting and operation of the sounder set forth in patent N 0.807,871, granted December; 19, 1905, and may have its shafts 250operated in the assemblagesimilar to the violin shafts 102, asillustrated in Figure 1 of. the drawings.

Any approved type of instruments may be used: in connection with theorchestral device A, such asillustrated in the drawings: It is preferredthat cut out switches be provided for the various instruments, so that;the orchestral device may be used with any approved selection ofinstruments. This cut. out arrangement ofswitches is set forth in thediagrammatidillustrationin: Figure l of the drawings. piano maybe-motonor foot operated, it ispreferred to= motor operatethe: same,-.as; the

motor plays an important part. in operating the sounders-of certain.stringedinstrumentssuch as violins, guitars-and theklike;

An important feature-off the, invention-is. the operation of:thezvarious. instruments. from the key boardof the-pianm I- am preparingan applicationishowing the extra keyboard more-- clearly,. italso.shows. the extra .-pneumatics,-. with tihesefi'it wilL be possibletoplay the instrumentsin different voices; that is-,. one or. more: of.the. instruments may be played-tenor andone on more may beplayed-.soprano .amd some may" be placedbass and. Ldesirej'. lad-havethe serial number. mentioned in. this; application as soon asitisiplaced-onvfile 5 WVhile: the drum structure M- -has I been h w l ci la p rated in swamplated to. provide pneumatically,- operated meanstherefonf 1'1; mostiinstanceszelectro magnetshave beenshiiwmbut-stilerioids array; be substituted for theisamer whenever it isdesired. I

Various changes-l in the. shape,, size,,and arrangement of parts. may..be- .made-to the forms. of! invention herein, shown. and; de-.scribed,. without departing, nonmhe spirit. of the invention or; thescope of. the claim s I'claim: p

1'. In a music device oftheclas's'described; the combination of. a pianoincludingqkeg rockably supported intermediate their en an electriccircuit, a sound producing in strument in said circuit, operatingmeansin said. circuit forsaid sound producing. instrument, a resistanceunit insaid'cii'cuit, a switch for controlling operative or inoperativepositioning of the resistance unit in said circuit including a movablecontact carried by a piano key on one side of the rockingaxis of saidkey, and a; switch for conitrolling operative or inoperative positioningof the-sound producing.- operation means in said circuit including a.contact carried by said key at the other side of the rocking axisthereof.

2. In combination with a piano including strings, piano actionsincluding hammers for the strings, and keys for operating the pianoactions, a musical instrument, and means for electrically operating themusical instrument including piano key operated switches, said switchesincluding. means to maintain the electric circuit in which said musicalinstrument is disposed in closed operating condition for a greaterinterval of time than the hammer of the key is in engagement with itsrespective string on the piano.

3. In a piano operated music producing apparatus the combination of apiano including strings, piano actions therefor, and keys for the pianoactions, other musical instruments, and electric operating means for theother musical instruments, including circuits having switches carried bythe piano keys, said switches each including a fixed contact and aresilient contact adapted to be main tained in engagement with its fixedcontact to hold the circuit closed for a longer period of time than thetime during which the hammer remains in engagement with the respectivestring of the respective piano keys.

WILLIE R. CORBETT.

